Bacchus Marsh

Bacchus Marsh lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Bacchus Marsh is around 8,157, reflecting a 4.5% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7,808. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,860 in June 2024 and validation of an additional 120 new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 744 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Bacchus Marsh has shown a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%, outperforming Greater Melbourne. Interstate migration contributed about 48% to recent population gains, with all factors including natural growth and overseas migration being positive. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, they use VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Bacchus Marsh is expected to have an above median population growth, reaching a total of 9,830 persons by 2041, a 16.9% increase over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Bacchus Marsh among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Bacchus Marsh recorded around 31 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 159 homes. So far in FY26, 18 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately seven new residents arriving per dwelling constructed annually between FY21 and FY25. The supply of new dwellings is substantially lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $431,000, reflecting quality-focused development. Additionally, $3.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Bacchus Marsh shows substantially reduced construction, with 85.0% below regional average per person, typically strengthening demand and prices for existing properties. New development consists of 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 243 people per dwelling approval, Bacchus Marsh shows characteristics of a low density area. Population forecasts indicate Bacchus Marsh will gain 1,376 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Bacchus Marsh has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Bacchus Marsh Central, Bacchus Marsh Grammar - Maddingley Campus Expansion, Summerfield North Estate, and Bacchus Marsh Racecourse and Recreation Reserve Masterplan Redevelopment (Stages 2 & 3). The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Bacchus Marsh has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Bacchus Marsh has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.9% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.5%. As of December 2025, 4,265 residents were in work, and the unemployment rate was 0.2% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 69.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, a moderate 22.9% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries among residents comprised construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area showed strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services employed only 6.0% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the 12-month period ending May-25, employment increased by 3.5%, while labour force grew by 4.2%, resulting in a rise of unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.9% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bacchus Marsh's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Bacchus Marsh had a median taxpayer income of $52,022 and an average income of $65,597. Nationally, the averages were $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average). By September 2025, estimates project these figures to be approximately $56,314 (median) and $71,009 (average), based on an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census ranks Bacchus Marsh incomes modestly, between the 36th and 43rd percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket dominates with 32.2% of residents (2,626 people), similar to the broader area at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 36th percentile. The SEIFA income ranking places Bacchus Marsh in the 4th decile.

Bacchus Marsh is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Bacchus Marsh, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 84.5% houses and 15.5% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Bacchus Marsh was 34.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.2% and rented dwellings at 26.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,700, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Bacchus Marsh was recorded at $330, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bacchus Marsh's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, as reported in June 2021, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 for that same period.

Bacchus Marsh features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.1% of all households, including 25.4% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.9%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Bacchus Marsh aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 21.6%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (26.2%). Educational participation is high at 27.5%, with 10.4% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Bacchus Marsh has 31 active public transport stops. Two routes service these stops, offering a combined total of 576 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents generally residing 269 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Bacchus Marsh's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 90%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1.3 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 22.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

On average, there are 82 trips daily across all routes, translating to about 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bacchus Marsh is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Bacchus Marsh faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across all age groups, but more so among older cohorts.

The area has approximately 53% private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Mental health issues impact 9.8% of residents, while arthritis affects 9.3%. About 63.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. Bacchus Marsh has 23.5% residents aged 65 and over (1,916 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Bacchus Marsh ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bacchus Marsh, as per data from the 2016 Census, showed below-average cultural diversity with 88.4% of its population being Australian citizens, 83.4% born in Australia, and 90.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the primary religion, accounting for 46.8%. The 'Other' religious category comprised 2.3%, similar to Greater Melbourne's 2.3%.

Ancestry wise, English (28.7%) and Australian (27.1%) were significantly higher than regional averages of 20.1% and 18.4% respectively. Irish ancestry was at 10.2%. Notably, Maltese (2.4%), Polish (0.9%), and Scottish (8.9%) ethnic groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.1%, 0.8%, and 5.6% respectively.

Bacchus Marsh's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Bacchus Marsh is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bacchus Marsh has a notably higher proportion of individuals aged 75-84 (9.4% locally) and a lower proportion of those aged 15-24 (9.9%). According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group grew from 7.6% to 9.4%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 12.3% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 15.3% to 13.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Bacchus Marsh. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 162%, reaching 512 people from 195, leading the demographic shift. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 54% of the growth, while the 0-4 age group will experience more modest growth with an increase of just 2 residents.